Oatmeal

My house has remained mostly clean since the BBQ on Friday. And I am trying to keep it that way until the baby comes. I did some major deep cleaning Friday so hopefully I'll just have to do the stuff on the surface a few more times until she comes.

I love having a clean house. If my house is clean, I get more done. I feel more motivated. If I eat breakfast and then clean my dishes right away instead of letting them sit in the sink all day, it starts my day off so much differently. It really does. Especially because as of about a month ago, here at the Ruesch household we've been eating 6 grain oatmeal every morning, and that stuff is not fun to clean off if it sits for too long.

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But gosh dang it's good. With a little vanilla soy milk, brown sugar, and homemade toast to slop it up with...MMM!

Oatmeal is SO good for you!

10 Reasons to Eat Oatmeal

1. Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.
2. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.
3. You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It's estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.
4. New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.
5. With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient... rolled oats.
6. According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.
7. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
8. The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.
9. Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usually be made in less than 10 minutes. And what about instant oatmeal… a hot breakfast in under a minute... incredible!
10. Oatmeal can be absolutely delicious! Whether instant, cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, the combination of flavors you can fit into a serving of oatmeal is limited only by the imagination. Visit Mr Breakfast's Oatmeal Collection to see just 60 of the ways you can start to enjoy oatmeal today! (source)

 Lots of good reasons to eat the good stuff!

I used to not be an oatmeal lover, anyone who knows me, knows this. But I found a great 6 grain at Kitchen Kneads here in the Salt Lake Valley, and it has a texture that I love! That was my problem with the quick oats or just regular oatmeal, bad texture. But not this stuff, it is so good! And even better, CHEAP! We've saved some good $ this month by not buying our other routine breakfast items. 

So here's to healthy and cheap!